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Study in France | Smart Loire Valley Fellowship Programme 2026

January 27, 2026 7:35 am

Study in France | The Smart Loire Valley Fellowship Programme 2026

A premier research mobility opportunity for international scholars is now open. The Smart Loire Valley Programme (LE STUDIUM Researcher Fellowship) for 2026 invites experienced global researchers to conduct funded research in France‘s Centre Val de Loire region. Hosted by the LE STUDIUM Institute for Advanced Studies, this competitive program provides comprehensive support for scientists to collaborate with top French laboratories and research centers.

Why This Fellowship is a Distinguished Opportunity

This program is specifically designed to eliminate logistical hurdles for incoming researchers. It offers a complete support package covering travel, accommodation, and administrative integration. Furthermore, LE STUDIUM fosters a vibrant international scientific community. Consequently, fellows can dedicate their full energy to high-impact research and networking, accelerating their professional trajectory within a prestigious European setting.

Comprehensive Fellowship Benefits

Selected researchers receive an extensive range of support designed for productivity and comfort:

Full Travel Coverage: International travel costs to and from France.
Furnished Accommodation: Fully equipped housing suitable for individuals or families.
Complete Relocation Support: Assistance with visas, banking, insurance, and school enrollment for children.
Integration into a Scientific Community: Access to conferences, workshops, and interdisciplinary networking events.
Professional Development: Opportunities to organize conferences, receive professional training, and attend French language classes.
Career Pathway Support: For integration fellowships, active assistance in applying for permanent positions within the host institution.

Eligibility Criteria

This program targets established researchers with international mobility. To qualify, you must satisfy these requirements:

Be a national or long-term resident of a country outside France
Not have resided in France for more than 12 months in the three years preceding the application deadline.
Hold a doctoral degree (PhD).
Have an active employment contract with a foreign university or research institution.
Secure a formal invitation and commitment letter from a host laboratory in the Centre Val de Loire region.
Meet specific post-PhD experience requirements, which vary from three to five years depending on the fellowship track.

Straightforward Application Process

Prospective applicants must follow a defined online procedure:

Register and Select: Create an account on the official LE STUDIUM application portal and select the Smart Loire Valley Programme.
Complete and upload: Fill out the online application form and upload all required documents, including your CV, detailed research proposal, and the host laboratory’s commitment letter.
Submit for Review: Submit your complete application for international peer review based on scientific merit and potential impact.

Start your application by visiting the official LE STUDIUM programme page:

Click Here to Apply

Critical Application Deadline

The final deadline to submit your application for the 2026 cohort is January 29, 2026, at 17:00 Central European Time (Paris time).

Begin Your Research Mobility Journey in France

The Smart Loire Valley Programme represents a holistic and prestigious pathway to leading research in France. It combines robust financial and logistical support with deep academic integration, making it an ideal platform for experienced researchers seeking to enhance their international profile and collaborative output.

Do not miss this chance to advance your research career within a fully supported, world-class scientific environment in Europe. This fellowship is tailored for doctoral holders who are ready to drive innovative projects and build lasting international partnerships. Prepare a compelling research proposal that demonstrates clear synergy with your chosen host laboratory and the potential for significant scholarly impact. Your path to becoming a globally connected research leader begins with this decisive application.